Cardiac Sonographer (Echo Tech)

Wellstar Health System•Austell, GA

About The Position

How would you like to work in a place where your contributions and ideas are valued? A place where you can serve with compassion, pursue excellence and honor every voice? At Wellstar, our mission is simple, yet powerful: to enhance the health and well-being of every person we serve. We are proud to have become a shining example of what's possible when the brightest professionals dedicate themselves to making a difference in the healthcare industry, and in people's lives. Work Shift Various (United States of America) Job Summary The Cardiac Sonographer functions under the direction of the Manager or Lead/Chief Sonographer. Responsible for performing all cardiac imaging, which may include adult, pediatric, transesophageal (including structural heart) and stress echocardiograms, depending on facility. Performs measurements and calculations according to laboratory protocol. Provides an oral summary of preliminary findings to the interpreting physician when requested. Responsible for the safety and well‑being of all patients in the Echo department. Must communicate effectively with patients and the health care team. May be asked to inject/administer Ultrasound Enhancing Agents (UEA) and perform saline bubble studies. Performs other work‑related duties as assigned. Must be available for call, weekend and Holiday rotations.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED
ARDMS Registered Medical Sonographer or RCS (CCI) Registered Cardiac Sonographer or RDCS Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer
BLS, ARC‑BLS or BLS‑Instructor
Excellent communication skills with physicians, patients, visitors, staff and nursing personnel.
Routinely obtains, presents and discusses clinical information.
Able to explain or give directions to maintain goodwill and cooperation.
Able to function independently and under pressure while actively participating in a team environment.
Must consistently demonstrate excellent customer service skills.
Must perform effectively in a stressful and fast‑paced work environment.
Must prioritize appropriately.
Must be detail oriented and able to multitask throughout the work shift.
Must interact professionally with patients, families, coworkers, volunteers and physicians.
Must function independently yet productively as a cooperative team member.
Must comply with all hospital policies, practices, protocols and professional standards.
Must be flexible, dependable, accountable and cooperative.
Has the knowledge and ability to obtain a quality diagnostic study safely.
Performs a wide variety of technical procedures requiring independent judgment and initiative.
Able to independently perform job functions and set up imaging equipment.
Competent in all aspects of Cardiac Ultrasound, patient positioning and exposure factors.
Must understand anatomy and pathology and how they affect procedure quality.

Nice To Haves

Trade School Diploma/Degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Minimum 1 year experience in echocardiography
Graduate of a formal Diagnostic Medical Sonography program
Graduate of an accredited Cardiovascular Technology program

Responsibilities

Verifies proper clinician order for procedure.
Obtains complete clinical history, gathers exam data and assesses for contraindicating conditions.
Follows established procedures for administration of UEAs safely.
Ensures all studies have proper patient identification.
Reviews ultrasound images for clinically acceptable results and releases patients.
Assists team members in all modalities when needed.
Observes patient condition and evaluates when physician intervention is required.
Verifies correct patient identity using two unique identifiers.
Ensures patient privacy, comfort and dignity throughout the exam.
Demonstrates competence in appropriate procedures, equipment, supplies and techniques based on patient age.
Organizes schedule, time and priorities to complete required activities within designated timeframes.
Follows physician instructions when assisting with procedures and exams.
Uses critical thinking skills.
Dialogs with patient/family.
Asks clarifying questions.
Seeks clarification on ambiguous orders.
Understands, demonstrates and documents preprocedural verification and Time‑Out process when appropriate.
Demonstrates and understands pre‑ and post‑procedural care.
Preps the patient for the procedure.
Clearly explains purpose and nature of exam using AIDET to minimize anxiety and increase cooperation.
Ensures patient questions, concerns or contraindications are fully addressed prior to procedure.
Participates in orientation and training of departmental employees.
Provides preparatory instruction and explanation of procedures.
Documentation is concise, legible and uses precise terminology.
Reads email each scheduled workday and completes assigned tasks.
Completes all required departmental and hospital‑wide education.
Ensures that equipment is fully operational before each use by checking calibration and operating deficiencies.
Sends all studies to PACS immediately after completion; prints CDs as needed.
Follows infection control policies.
Restocks linens and supplies and maintains department cleanliness and organization.
Transports and positions patients; assists them on and off the procedure table.
Performs patient charging activities on the day services are rendered.
Applies supportive and immobilization devices and equipment.
Willingly assists others as needed and uses work time in support of departmental needs.
Performs clerical and support duties to maintain continuity of services.
Keeps supervisor informed and promptly reports potential issues.
Maintains productivity equal to coworkers.
Operates all workstations associated with the ultrasound department.
Transfers and retrieves studies from the ultrasound console to PACS.
Maintains Joint Commission and regulatory standards.
Takes call when necessary.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Reports malfunctioning equipment promptly.
Cleans, disinfects and maintains equipment according to infection control and department schedules.
Performs other duties as assigned and complies with all Wellstar policies and code of conduct.